Our mission is to restore Orange County’s families and individuals in crisis to self-sufficiency.
We have served over 76,000 families and individuals since our inception in 1987.
Our vision is to end homelessness in our community.
Serving People In Need was founded in 1987 by Sam Boyce and five friends who wanted to help the homeless of Orange County. Each week, they passed out food and asked questions trying to determine what had brought these families and individuals to these circumstances. Time and time again, the volunteers received the same responses: “I lost my job and couldn’t pay the rent, so I was evicted,” or, “Even though I have a job, I cannot get the money together to pay the move-in costs for housing.” “My family and friends want nothing more to do with me.” Today, as housing prices continue to rise, the need for access remains high, and we are more committed than ever to helping individuals and families reach self-sufficiency.
We Make a Difference!
Our programs work! We are committed to restoring Orange County’s individuals and families in crisis and at risk of becoming homeless, or currently experiencing homelessness, to be housed. Many, if not most of our clients achieve self-sufficiency through our proven support and services.
Thanks to the recommendations of our supporters, clients, and volunteers, we have been named a Top-Rated Nonprofit for 2024 by GreatNonprofits.
Spin has been awarded Platinum Transparency status by Candid for 2024.
Our Board & Staff
Board
Curtis R. Scheetz
Chair & President
Total Environmental Management, Inc.
Kate Domagala
Vice-Chair of the Board
Merck
Al Degrassi
Treasurer
American Business Bank
Rachel Owens
Secretary
Tri-Circle Financial Strategies
Directors
Richard F. Crawford
Crawford Custom Homes
Maureen Flanagan
First Republic Investment Management
Michael Gilmore
Mazzetti Inc.
Charlie Granville
Granville Executive Consulting
Veronica Lopez
Air Treatment Corp.
Gazal Pour-Moezzi
Attorney, SheppardMullin
Mary Lou Shattuck
Former Chair and President
Our Staff
Executive Staff
David Wetzel
Executive Director
Ladeshia Goubert
Manager of Donor and Volunteer Relations
Staff
Sandra Lopez
Navigation and Compliance Manager
Amber Benson
Case Manager
Sylvia Ruiz
Case Manager
Brenda Garcia
Family Services Navigator
Vanessa Calderon
Family Services Navigator